Eye Creams for Crows Feet

Q: I recently turned 40 and I’m looking for the best non-prescription product for eye wrinkles and crows feet. –Stephanie M.

A: Congrats on 40! If I recall, it was Oprah’s favorite decade, before she hit 50. . . It’s also the time when the visible signs of aging dig in their heels. The eye area is the most delicate, so typically the first to wrinkle. I’m in my early 30s and already know a thing or two about crow’s feet. And no, they don’t build character and I’m tired of people calling them laugh lines when they aren’t funny. But back to you, Stephanie M. Your first line of defense is sunblock. I say “block” because it tends to be less irritating around the eyes than a chemical sunscreen. Try: Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizing Eye Stick SPF 30 ($20)

Your most powerful weapon is retinol, the gold standard of over-the-counter wrinkle-fighting treatments. Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen, which helps prevent new wrinkles from forming, and diminishes dark circles! Since retinol can be drying and is sensitized by the sun, I suggest wearing it only at night. Try: ROC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment ($25)

During the day, go for a super moisturizing eye cream that will help plump up those fine lines and make them look smaller. There are loads of options on the market, but I’m crazy about the latest crop that contain illuminators which brighten up the entire eye area and make you look deceivingly more well-rested. Try: Origins GinZing Eye Cream ($29.50)

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A couple of non-cosmetic tips (from someone over 50 who gets told she doesn’t look her age at all):

– number one with a bullet – PROTECT your face from the sun. That means sunblock and a hat whenever you know you will be outside for a long period of time (more than 30 minutes). Do NOT go exercise outside, garden outside, nothing without sunblock and a hat.
– number two – ALWAYS wear sunglasses outside. You’ll look chic and it helps to prevent squinting which helps those crow’s feet right along. I can’t believe the number of people who do not wear sunglasses except at the beach. Crazy town.
-try not to smush your face into your pillow. As you get older, it will make those wrinkles worse. I think there is a specialty pillowcase at Bed, Bath and Beyond that helps.
– not really for crow’s feet but for your forehead – ask a friend if you make a lot of faces when you talk. You’d be surprised how many people really do an exaggerated frown when they hear something they don’t like. Wonder how those furrows between your brows happen? That’s one of them. Also practice not lifting your eyebrows – causes those forehead wrinkles. I rub the inner points of my eyebrows several times a day to relax that area. Try it and you’ll be surprised at how much tension gathers there (just like in your shoulders).

I know, this all sounds like old wives’ tales but it has worked for me.

Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you taking
the time and energy to put this short article together.
I once again find myself spending way too much time
both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!